Please answer each of the questions below. Your answers to open-ended questions should demonstrate thoughtful reflection and will typically be at least 150 words in length. [It is appropriate to interact with Scripture as you form your answers.] Proofread your responses. Do not leave any question blank. If it is not applicable to your situation, please indicate this with “N/A”. Remember that your answers tell us about who you are and how deeply you care about this journey toward ordination/commissioning. We understand that your answers to these questions are still being formed as you grow and mature in your understanding. The right answer is an honest answer about where you are currently in your thinking. We appreciate and value you and this journey we ask you to travel. Thank you for your diligence in helping us to walk with you effectively in this discernment process. If you prefer not to complete this form in one sitting, scroll to the bottom and click the link that says "Save and Continue Later." A link will be emailed to you which will allow you to access the form at a later time. When you click "Submit" your form will automatically be sent to the District Office and a copy to yourself.

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

PERSONAL LIFE

#1*

What change, if any, has occurred in your marital status or family since you last appeared before this board?

#2*

Since you last appeared before the board, has there been any change in your church relationship? If so, explain.

#3*

Please give a brief testimony of your present spiritual state. In what ways has God worked in your life this year?

#4*

Do you have an accountability partner/spiritual companion/spiritual friendship? If so, in what way has this relationship been valuable to you?

#5*

Do you still have the conviction that you are called to a life of ministerial service?

#6*

In what ways has your call to ministry been confirmed or clarified during this last year?

#7*

What are your plans for service in the church and how do you envision fulfilling God's call? If married, where does your spouse see him or herself in ministry?

#8*

What have you done this past year to grow spiritually and improve your knowledge of the Word?

#9*

What have you done or read to further develop your understanding of the ministry?

MINISTRY

#10*

What practical experiences in ministry have you had this past year?

#11*

What do you think is the best way to spread the Gospel in our current context? How do you personally practice evangelism? With what results?

#12*

How are you making disciples and encouraging believers to grow spiritually?

#13*

In what ways do you feel encouraged to continue the pursuit of the goal to be an ordained/commissioned minister?

#14*

What are the greatest difficulties or discouragements you have met in your process of being ordained/commissioned?

THEOLOGICAL QUESTIONS

Please give a thorough answer to each question based on your current level of understanding.

#15*

Many people, even believers are questioning why the Church is a necessary institution or why they should belong to a local church. What is the Church? What is God's purpose for the Church? What is the Church's mission?

#16*

Not just Christianity, but our entire culture seems to be involved in a theological discussion about who we are as human beings. How do you understand the purpose for which God created us? What did the Fall do to the human condition?

#17*

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is magnificent good news for the whole world. If someone asked you: "Why is the Gospel 'good' and how is it 'news'?" How would you answer?

#18*

Because the Trinity of God can be difficult to understand, it often receives affirmation without having a lively place in our theology. So, why is the Doctrine of the Trinity important for Christian faith?

#19*

People understand the task of preaching in different ways. What does preaching mean to you? Why?

#20*

Many of the disagreements between Christians in our culture stem from diverse views of the Bible. What is your understanding of the importance of Christian Scripture in a Christian's life? Why and how is it authoritative?

#21*

Read again the Articles of Religion. What are a few questions you have related to any of these articles? At this point in your preparation, you do not need to have answers to these questions.

#22*

List any doctrinal positions of The Wesleyan Church which, at present, seem unclear or with which you now have difficulty, and explain concerns you may have about them.

LEADERSHIP COMMITMENTS

Read again the Membership Commitments of The Wesleyan Church (Discipline paragraphs 260-268). These commitments are now referred to as the Leadership Covenant. As a Wesleyan Ministerial Student/Licensed Minister, it is expected that you will live by these commitments. Give an honest assessment of whether you fully support, practice and teach each commitment.

#23*

I fully support, practice and teach all of the Wesleyan Church's Leadership commitments

Yes

No

Leadership Commitments

Give an honest assessment and if you have any hesitancy or question, check the box(es) for the commitments that you DO NOT fully support, practice and teach, and give an explanation.

Honor the Lord's Day

Abstain from spiritism

Exercise faithful stewardship

Abstain from gambling

Abstain from destructive substances (alcohol, tobacco, drugs, etc.)

Refrain from membership in secret societies

Follow the Scripture's teaching on marriage and divorce

Preserve the sanctity of the home

Work to advance God's Kingdom

Grow in knowledge, love and grace

Preserve the integrity of the church with reference to speaking in tongues

Do good to all people

Respect the rights of all people

Be honest, just and faithful

Please Explain*

TOWARD ORDINATION

#24*

What current social issues evoke your concern?

#25*

What about the current state of the Church evokes your concern?

#26*

Have you had any financial pressure this past year which might hinder your continued progress toward ordination/commissioning?

Yes

No

Please explain*

Mortgage*

Student Loans*

All other debt*

Monthly debt service*

Comments

#27*

Do you continue to pledge that you will do everything in your power to see that your personal ife and obligations will not interfere with your witness nor bring reproach upon the Lord's work?

#28*

Are you maintaining a life of personal integrity and moral purity?

#29*

If you have not completed your educational requirements, list the courses you completed this past year. (It is required that every ministerial student and licensed minister complete two courses each church year.)

#30*

When do you project that you will graduate or complete the Course of Study?

#31*

When do you expect to be ordained/commissioned?

#32*

Do you attempt to stay informed about the mission, mesage and activities of The Wesleyan Church? How so?

#33 (a)*

Do you believe it to be important for churches to meet their district and general assessments (USF)?

Yes

No

Please explain*

#33 (b)*

Are you determined to loyally insist that any church under your charge do so? If no, explain your position.

Yes

No

Please explain*

#34*

Everyone has a variety of God-given strengths/assets. What do you consider to be some of your personal strengths?

#35*

As you currently understand your strengths and weaknesses, what are the areas of your personal life which need improvement? What can you do to make the necessary improvements?

#36*

The Wesleyan Church believes that God calls both men and women into ordained/commissioned ministry. Will you continue to support this position? If not, please explain.

#37*

Has anything happened in your life or ministry since your last report that your District Board of Ministerial Development should be aware of?

#38 (a)*

Do you continue to submit joyfully to the authority and discipline of the District Board of Ministerial Development as it prayerfully and carefully examines your development?

#38 (b)*

Our goal and purpose is to nurture and assist you in your quest for full ministerial service. Are there questions you would like to ask or counsel you would like to receive from your DBMD?

Comments

Please use this space to share anything else you would like to share with the DBMD (questions, comments, concerns).

Feedback on Ministerial Preparation

Please think about your experience so far preparing for ministry, including your classes, ministry roles and mentoring relationships. What areas in your life as a minister presently do you feel HAVE NOT been addressed well by your ministerial preparation so far?

Electronic Signature

The information provided on this form is confidential. It is only for use by the District Board of Ministerial Development and Wesleyan Church officials and will not be released or provided to any other parties. I hereby freely give permission for the use of this information by the district and general officials of The Wesleyan Church and waive my right to examine any confidential information about me provided by other persons.